R-27 aircraft missile (medium-range air-to-air guided missile): description, carriers, tactical and technical characteristics

The R-27 aircraft missile belongs to the most common representative of the category of domestic guided missiles such as "air-to-air". Modifications combine most varieties of guidance systems, as well as a high-tech configuration of the rudders with aerodynamic blocks. Due to its design features, these weapons significantly exceeded the characteristics of the foreign competitor AIM-7, comparable in flight performance with the latest models like AIM-120C.

Design and development

The development of the R-27 aircraft launched back in 1972 at the Vympel State Design Bureau. To arm the considered ammunition was planned the latest fighters of that time, the Su-27 and MiG-29. A year later, the design concept was considered at a meeting in the MAP with the participation of representatives of leading design offices and specialized research institutes.

As a result, permission was officially issued for the production of a medium-range modular missile, followed by approval in the winter of 1974. Design in the form of sketches was carried out on a competitive basis between Vympel and Lightning. In May 1975, the ICD awarded the victory, after which a team of engineers headed by P. Dementyev began to develop a new ammunition. The first prototypes were tested by launching from a modernized MiG-23-ML fighter. Serial production began in 1984, three years later, the “470 product” was adopted.

Description of the aircraft missile R-27

Initially, the model was developed taking into account the normal scheme of aircraft aerodynamics. Subsequently, it was changed to a duck configuration based on an asymmetric cross-shaped arrangement of work surfaces. Technically sophisticated aerodynamic rudders were introduced into the design. These elements have a significant elongation, sweep variable configuration (on the front edge) and a narrowed root compartment.

A similar scheme (of the “butterfly” type) made it possible to use the rudders in differential mode not only for controlling and stabilizing the flight according to the main indicators, but also for a similar action along the roll channel. Design features guaranteed a stable roll moment coefficient over the entire range of numbers available. Accordingly, the reverse phenomenon was leveled, which is characteristic of other analogues created by the “duck” system.

Design features

On the body of the R-27 aircraft, destabilizers are provided in front of the rudders of the homing heads. The stock of static stability was ensured by these elements, which changed their own area when changing warheads. A version with a radar guidance method was developed with combined adjustment, allowing to maximize the ballistic advantages of the rocket.

They exceeded almost 2.5 times the range of capture of the target by the head. That is, at the first stage of the trajectory, inertial aiming at the target with radio correction of the speed and position factor is used, taking into account the maneuver of the target. At the finish stage, the main role was given to homing.

For suspension on the Su-33 and other carrier aircraft, identical launching devices of the rail and ejection configurations are used. The first variation of the APU-470 is intended for the installation of ammunition under the wings of an aircraft, and the catapult serves as a working compartment under the wings and fuselage. It is worth noting that the main material of the structure is titanium (for the body) and reinforced steel (for the engine shell).

Appointment

R-27 medium-range guided missiles are focused on the interception of aircraft and helicopters of all varieties, as well as their elimination. In addition, the specified weapon is effective in the following cases:

• the destruction of UAVs and cruise missiles in air battles at large and medium distances;
• under the action of carriers at any time of the day in a group and autonomous way;
• defeat targets from any direction, against the backdrop of land and water, regardless of the information, fire and maneuverability of the enemy.

In the military units, the ammunition in question comes in partially assembled form, with the rudders and wings removed.

Modifications of the aircraft missile R-27

The specified weapon is made in several versions. Between themselves, they differ in the type of guidance heads (semi-active type of radar action (PARGS)) and the thermal option (TGS). In addition, they differ in the configuration of motor units with a standard or increased energy potential. Modifications with TGS are supplemented by letter indexes “T” or “ET”, versions with PARGS - “R” and “ER”.

It is worth noting that the letter “E” stands for the “energy-armed” model. Many mistakenly attributed the decryption - “export” variation. Such specimens have a solid propellant power plant of increased power with an increased diameter, compared with the fuselage compartment.

Some general indicators of all modifications of the R-27 aircraft missile:

• warhead - rod:
• fuse type - non-contact / radar / contact;
• warhead weight - 39 kg;
• radius when fuse is activated - up to 6 m;
• engine - with one mode (RDTT R-300);
• the power unit on modifications "E" - has an increased initial thrust with its further decrease (RDTT R-300E);
• weight of power plants - 95 / 192.5 kg.
  

Parameter table

The performance characteristics of the R-27 missiles differ depending on the modification and purpose. The table below will help to understand the differences between all types of specified weapons. Dashes mean that the indicators are identical with option “P”.

Next, we consider each modification in more detail.

Version 27-P

The specified model is a kind of standard rocket with inertial type control with correction through the use of certain radio frequencies. In addition, the guidance system includes a semi-active radar unit, activated at the final stage of flight.

The guidance system GSN 9B-1101K is also being developed by the designers of the Research Institute "Agat". The specified node is focused on capturing objects at heights of 20 to 25,000 meters. In this case, the maximum overestimation or understatement of the target at a speed of up to 3500 km / h is 10 km. It is allowed to start a pair of charges for two purposes. The readiness of the GOS for use is ensured one second after receiving the indication of the target from the control unit of the carrier type Su-33 or MiG-29.

Series R-27T

A distinctive feature of this modification is the presence of an infrared homing element. The design of the rocket includes the following components and parts:

1. In the nose compartment under the fairing is an infrared seeker detector.
2. In the next part of the housing is the head equipment.
3. The head part is equipped with four rudders configured according to the "duck" scheme.
4. The warhead is installed behind the rudder power drive compartment. There is also a place for a fuse.

The hull is mostly occupied by a rocket power unit. Continuous operation is 3 hours (with the cooling circuit of the photodetector turned on).

R-27 ER and R-27 ET

Guided missile class "air-to-air" variations "ER" has a significantly increased flight range. Compared to the base model, it has large overall dimensions and weight. Semi-active radar seeker guarantees the destruction of objects in adverse weather conditions, regardless of natural and artificial interference.

The R-27 TE series also has a large range of action, dimensions and weight. Its important advantage is the use in aircraft launchers to eliminate all types of military aircraft, including highly maneuverable aircraft cruise missiles. At the same time, the effectiveness of the action is not affected by interference, weather conditions, the background of the earth or water surface, and the guidance angle.

Models 27AE and 27P

The R-27AE version is a medium-range guided missile, the main purpose of which is to combat various air targets. GOS includes a combination of active radar and an inertial correction system. These nodes are activated alternately, depending on the phase of the flight. The GOS operates according to the principle of triggering from receiving an indication of a target by radars of carrier aircraft or ground-based anti-aircraft installations. Monopulse multifunctional guidance system developed at the Research Institute "Agat", is able to guarantee the search, capture, tracking and destruction of designated targets.

Modes of the indicated GOS:

• autonomous work on the initial facilities, which does not require the location support of other radars in flight;
• inertia-corrected program with radar support;
• coding mode in which the introduction of updated programs is allowed.

Another interesting modification - R-27P - refers to passive weapons. The head is aimed at the target, focusing on working radar stations, including AWACS devices. Design of this version was carried out by the ICB “Coulomb”, the next stages of creation were handled by the Automation software, which is considered the leading one in the development of passive radars. All domestic passive guidance systems for ground-to-air missiles were created at this enterprise. Since this design was not previously developed, the work was significantly delayed. The designers defended the pilot project R-27P in 1981, factory and flight testing was carried out only since 1984.

Briefly about the media

Transportation and launch of R-27 missiles, which were called AA 10 Alamo by NATO standards, were carried out by several domestic fighters.

Among them:

1. Su-27 - the Soviet, and then the Russian multi-role fighter of the fourth generation. The first flight took place in 1977, and operation has been ongoing since 1985. The specified model is one of the main aircraft of the Air Force of the Russian Federation, designed to obtain military superiority in the air.
2. The Su-33 is another representative of the fourth generation of fighters of the Russian Federation, which has been in service since 1998, has a large payload and flight range. Feature - the ability to perform the functions of a refueling aircraft.
3. Su-34. Multifunctional fighter-bomber, focused on the defeat and bombing of ground targets, opposing enemy targets in the air. Features - unique combat characteristics and the availability of innovative countermeasures against electronic systems.
4. Su-35. This military aircraft is also known as the Su-27M, corresponds to the parameters of fifth-generation fighters.
5. Yak-141 is an all-weather multi-purpose military aircraft with the possibility of vertical take-off and landing. The first flight took place in 1987.
6. MiG-29. Fourth generation multirole fighter, adopted in 1983.